We’re winding down the summer with a strong and varied lineup.
Soak up the last of the summer at the FedLive festival, catch an up-and-comer in Pokey LaFarge and start to make your way into fall with modern bluegrass/folk bands, American Opera and The End of America.
BIGTADOO, FedLive, Sept. 1, 6 PM – 2 AM
A one-day music festival with 20 bands and four stages fills our newest concert venue in town, FedLive. They’re keeping it fairly local for the Labor Day weekend shindig. Hailing from York, Dana Alexandra brings her sexy pop and frequent road miles back to her homeland. Kate Glorioso is another female act from York, delivering an equal amount of depth in both her key playing and vocals, recently performing at WXPN in Philadelphia. Chelsea Caroline, a Harrisburg resident, is coming off her successful Kickstarter project, prepared to offer up her sultry sounds. The Dead 50s drive a different engine, releasing a high-energy punk element into the festival. And Ducky & The Vintage, Joy Ike and another modern folk act, Canyon, round out my recommendations.
Pokey LaFarge, Appalachian Brewing Company, Sept. 23, 8 PM
Pokey LaFarge, a St. Louis-based artist, is a multi-genre genius, dipping his creative musical toes across the American roots. Blues, ragtime, early jazz and western swing are all present in his four-album career. Last month, he released his self-titled album on Jack White’s label, Third Man Records, and recently collaborated with White on his album, “Blunderbuss,” while also being featured on HBO’s acclaimed show, “Boardwalk Empire.” Pokey’s reputation is rising and is a fresh pick if you like music that has echoes from a bygone era.
American Opera/The End of America, The MakeSpace, Sept. 26, 8-9 PM
A perfect pairing of folk bands, American Opera and The End of America synch into the musical era of 20-somethings trying to reclaim their national identity through sound and song. They are the type of acts you want to listen to while sitting on hay bales and drinking hard cider. The MakeSpace venue is the perfect informal homestead to take in their tunes. Be sure to listen to “Broken Roads” by American Opera and The End of America’s rendition of Beck’s “Please Leave a Light on When You Go.”
Mentionables: Sept. 19, Ana Popovic, Whitaker Center, 7:30 PM/ Sept. 21, The Dirty Sweet, Appalachian Brewing Company, 8 PM/Sept. 23, Zula and Starlight, The MakeSpace, 8 PM
